Organisers of the Bishop Auckland Food Festival have invited traders to put their names forward for next year's event.
The popular event, which attracted record visitors of more than 30,000 people this year, will return to the town's Market Place on Saturday April 22 and Sunday April 23. The most recent food festival returned to its usual April slot after it took place at a later date of October in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations a key part of the festival, headliners included John Whaite, Crystelle Pereira and Chigs Parmar, as part of County Durham's failed bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. They joined more than 150 traders selling local and artisan food and drink products.
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And Durham County Council is once again calling on traders for this year to sell everything from seasonal street food to delicious desserts. Trader applications are now open, with businesses being encouraged to submit their interest early along with as much information about their business as possible.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council's Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "It’s amazing to think in just 25 weeks’ time Bishop Auckland will be the centre of all things food, and we are really excited to welcome people back once again.
"Each year the festival attracts amazing traders selling a fantastic variety of delicious goodies, so we are looking forward to receiving applications. Our festival has been growing year on year and we are committed to supporting this growth as part of our ambitions for County Durham as the culture county."
How to apply for a stand at the Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023
Traders who wish to be part of the Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023 can apply online at the following link. It is recommended that vendors include as much information as possible about their businesses, including latest news and awards, images of their set up and links to social media.
Businesses have until Monday January 9 to submit their application, with those successful notified at the end of the month. Celebrity guests and further details of the festival will be announced in the new year.
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